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AD(H)D … the invisible disability?
Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 21:34
Written by Diane O'Reilly
Thursday, 10 November 2011 21:18
AD(H)D is a neurological disorder. In other words, on a PET-scan you can actually see the differences between the brains of people who have it and of those who don’t. There is a marked difference in the brain function of those with AD(H)D, particularly in the Pre-frontal cortex and the Amygdala, or, to put it another way, the thinking centre of the brain and the emotional centre of the brain.
Yet, on the outside we look just like everyone else! This is precisely what makes our behaviour less easy to understand and accept for others; people expect us to be able to perform, act and respond in ways that are similar to everyone else’s, but because of our neurological short falls that is not always possible.
Of course this can have a profound affect on our successes, within the context of work or academia, in sports or even play, because we act and respond differently; while from the outside it appears to others as if we are purposely making poor choices or responding inappropriately. That can easily make us a target for bullies or even get us isolated from our peer groups.
However, we can make a big difference to this scenario by just advocating for ourselves. We can do this in many ways, for instance, by telling safe people that we have AD(H)D, by telling people how we best learn, or by telling people how we usually respond to various situations; It does not sound like a lot but this simple act repeated over and over, letting others know who we are and how we work, this helps others to begin to “see” our differences and so understand begin the process of understanding them.
A successful businessman told me that over the years he had learned to tell his colleagues and PA’s at his workplace specifically how he needed to be supported by using this phrase “This is the way my brain is wired”; so without exposing himself too much with the admission of his AD(H)D – which, let’s face it, is not always going to be the right thing to do – he was able to articulate his individual needs.
By letting people know how you are likely to respond or how your mind works,or your best ways of learning, you help to shift their expectations beforehand. And then they will not be so confused or frustrated when you act or respond in a certain way.It certainly doesn't hurt, and it can let you off the hook without having to admit that you have ADHD.
Do you have a story of how you let people know how best to work with you? Leave a comment and let us know ….
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AD(H)D … the invisible disability?
Last Updated on Thursday, 10 November 2011 21:34 Written by Diane O'Reilly Thursday, 10 November 2011 21:18
AD(H)D is a neurological disorder. In other words, on a PET-scan you can actually see the differences between the brains of people who have it and of those who don’t. There is a marked difference in the brain function of those with AD(H)D, particularly in the Pre-frontal cortex and the Amygdala, or, to put it another way, the thinking centre of the brain and the emotional centre of the brain.
Yet, on the outside we look just like everyone else! This is precisely what makes our behaviour less easy to understand and accept for others; people expect us to be able to perform, act and respond in ways that are similar to everyone else’s, but because of our neurological short falls that is not always possible.
Of course this can have a profound affect on our successes, within the context of work or academia, in sports or even play, because we act and respond differently; while from the outside it appears to others as if we are purposely making poor choices or responding inappropriately. That can easily make us a target for bullies or even get us isolated from our peer groups.
However, we can make a big difference to this scenario by just advocating for ourselves. We can do this in many ways, for instance, by telling safe people that we have AD(H)D, by telling people how we best learn, or by telling people how we usually respond to various situations; It does not sound like a lot but this simple act repeated over and over, letting others know who we are and how we work, this helps others to begin to “see” our differences and so understand begin the process of understanding them.
A successful businessman told me that over the years he had learned to tell his colleagues and PA’s at his workplace specifically how he needed to be supported by using this phrase “This is the way my brain is wired”; so without exposing himself too much with the admission of his AD(H)D – which, let’s face it, is not always going to be the right thing to do – he was able to articulate his individual needs.
By letting people know how you are likely to respond or how your mind works,or your best ways of learning, you help to shift their expectations beforehand. And then they will not be so confused or frustrated when you act or respond in a certain way.It certainly doesn't hurt, and it can let you off the hook without having to admit that you have ADHD.
Do you have a story of how you let people know how best to work with you? Leave a comment and let us know ….
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Events
Monthly ADHD coaching workshop.
This meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month from 7pm-8:30pm
The agenda for each month will be;
- Open meeting with welcome and sharing time.
- The presentation of the topic of the month or the guest speaker
- Question & Answer time
- Optional buddy coaching
The topics are focussed on positive, ADHD friendly strategies to enhance your life.
The cost to attend your first meeting is free, thereafter $15.00 each person or family, payable on the night by cheque or cash.
I recommend that you bring a notebook, to take notes or set goals
There is no obligation to sign up for more than one session.
Where and when:
Sunrise senior residence
456,Trafalgar Rd,
Oakville. On
L6J 7X1